Recognizing Mr. Frank C. Parker, Iv, Quakertown Community School District Director of Bands, for 27 Years of Service

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a remarkable individual from my district, Mr Frank C. Parker, IV. For nearly three decades, Mr. Parker has nurtured and inspired the musical abilities of students in the Quakertown Community School District.

Mr. Parker attended Moravian College, where he earned a bachelor's degree in musical performance and studied wind conducting, choral conducting, and saxophone under renowned academics and musicians. During his time there, he co-founded both the Moravian College Jazz Quartet and the Moravian College Dixieland Band. His exceptional talent earned him the lead alto saxophone positions with the Moravian College and Muhlenberg College Big Bands, and he also served as Principal Alto Saxophone for the Moravian College Wind Ensemble.

His pursuit of excellence in music continued through his master's education at Wilkes University and additional graduate coursework at Villanova University, University of Miami, University of Arts, and West Chester University.

Mr. Parker dedicated 27 years to sharing his musical expertise and passion with QCSD students. From 1998 to 2004, he directed the award- winning Milford Middle School band, even earning them a performance at the 2003 Pennsylvania Music Educators Association. During his six-year tenure, the Milford Jazz Band received nothing less than a superior rating at 26 consecutive jazz festivals--an extraordinary feat.

For the past 21 years, Mr. Parker has served as the Director of Bands at Quakertown High School, where he led the Symphonic Band, Wind Symphony, Jazz Ensemble, and numerous other small ensembles. Under his direction, these ensembles were invited to perform at the PMEA Conference, the NAfME National Conference, and the NAfME Eastern Division Conference an impressive fourteen times.

Additionally, Mr. Parker directed Quakertown High School's award- winning marching band, which has won both national and state-level competitions under his leadership.

At this year's PMEA Conference, Mr. Parker was honored as the Phi Beta Mu Outstanding PA Bandmaster. Over the years, many of his students have been selected to participate in PMEA district, region, and state band festivals.

Outside of his work at QCSD, Mr. Parker has taught saxophone lessons for the past 38 years. He is an active clinician, adjudicator, and guest conductor, having led bands across Pennsylvania and Vermont. He is a dedicated member of PMEA, NAfME, QCEA, PSEA, NEA, and Phi Beta Mu.

As a performer, Mr. Parker has experience as a saxophonist with wind bands, big bands, and variety bands in the Lehigh Valley and Philadelphia areas, and has performed internationally in Great Britain and the British Virgin islands.

In retirement, Mr. Parker looks forward to guest conducting, running clinics and teaching lessons online, as well as continuing to play his saxophone. He is the proud father of one daughter.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Parker for his 27 years of service to the Quakertown community, and I am honored to congratulate him on his well- deserved retirement. His efforts have made an everlasting impact on generations of students, enriching their lives through music education and inspiring a deep appreciation for the arts.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source